Omega-3 and omega-6 are families of essential fatty acids used to make local hormones that control the local functioning of tissues throughout the body. The omega-6 fats tend to have pro-inflammatory effects, and the omega-3s tend to have non- inflammatory effects. We need to have a balanced intake of mega-6s and omega-3s for optimal health. The essential fatty acids include the omega-6 fatty acids, (as found in most common vegetable oils and products from livestock animals raised on grain, and the omega-3 fatty acids, as found in flaxseed oil, wild ocean fish, wild game, products from livestock raised on green vegetation, and fish oil). Most people consume too much omega-6 fats and insufficient omega-3s. Therefore, we need to decrease the intake of omega-6 sources and increase the intake of omega-3 sources.

Yes, flaxseed oil and flax oil are the same. The seeds of the flax plant are pressed to obtain the nutrient rich oil that they contain. Flax oil is classified as a polyunsaturated vegetable oil. Flax oil is unique in this category, because it is the richest source of omega-3 as well as containing omega-6.

The recommendation that is given most often by nutritionists and health care providers is 1 tablespoon of flax oil for every 100 lbs. of body weight, to be used daily. For a child the recommendation is 1 teaspoon of flax oil for every 33 lbs. of weight.

Technically it would take 14 capsules to equal 1 tablespoon of flax oil since each tablespoon is 14 grams and each capsule is 1 gram (1 gram = 1,000 mgs). Most people choose to use the oil since it mixes easily into the daily diet, although the capsules are very convenient for traveling and for keeping in places where refrigeration is not possible.

Many people choose the Highest Lignan Flax Oil simply because it is so rich in phytonutrients. The lignans are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, help with digestion, and research also suggests they may be helpful in the prevention of certain types of cancer.

Both of these are sources of the beneficial omega-6 fatty acid known as GLA. Borage has been helpful for people with certain skin problems. For decades, women have been using evening primrose oil to alleviate the discomfort of PMS.

Each bottle of our fresh pressed oil has the "Best Used By" date located on the bottom of the bottle. The date will tell you by when it should be opened in order to maintain full potency, optimal taste and freshness.

Do you ship the oil refrigerated? Does the transit time affect the oil?

Either high heat or sustained heat over a long period of time can degrade the oil. The relatively short transit times and variable seasonal temperatures encountered during transit have been found to be insignificant when tested.

If you have chosen to use BioNatures Lignan 10 - our highest lignan flax oil - expect the oil color to be darker gold and cloudy when shaken up. Please be sure to shake the bottle well, since the particulate does tend to settle rapidly. Sometimes you may need to stir the lignan oil in order to get the particulate lifted from the bottom, especially if the bottle has been sitting upright, undisturbed for a long period of time. These instructions are noted on the bottle. If you have chosen our clear Flax Oil, expect the color to range from bright yellow to golden amber.

Why is there a variation in the color of the oil among different bottles?

At BioNatures we do not alter our oil in any way. This results in color and taste variations throughout the year depending on the variety of seed that is used for each batch, growing conditions, seasons, etc. Our oil is completely natural, and although methods could be used to make sure each batch is identical, we refuse to alter or change the oil from its natural state. The variations that occur from batch to batch are a part of nature.

Because flax oil contains both of the essential fats needed for optimal health, virtually everyone can benefit from taking flax oil. Essential fats are directly connected with many life-sustaining biological functions. A lack of essential fats in the diet has been associated with numerous diseases and health complications.

Since most people actually ingest much more omega-6 than they need each day, it is important to get enough omega-3 and cut back on extraneous omega-6 intake.

Will EFA oils cause me to gain weight?

Of all the poly-unsaturated fatty acids in the human diet, the omega-3 fatty acids, as found in flaxseed oil and fish oil, put the least amount of fat on the body. In fact, these fatty acids actually increase metabolism and the burning of undesirable body fat. This is the reason knowledgeable personal trainers advise using flaxseed oil and fish oil as sources of energy that will not add extra unwanted fat tissue.

It is important that you consult your pharmacist or health care professional concerning your medications and let them know that you are planning to use flax oil as a part of your daily diet in order to obtain the healthy fats that your body needs.

We do not suggest using flax oil in high-heat cooking. Instead, add your oil to foods that are already cooked or reheated to avoid any possibility of adversely affecting the omega-3s. The oil can be safely added to foods that are table ready.

We prefer to use black, opaque plastic bottles made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for BioNature’s Oils. HDPE is fully approved by the US and Canadian governments for vegetable oils and has an untarnished record of health safety. The integrity of our oils is one of our highest priorities.

The gelatin capsules used to encapsulate our oil products are not vegetarian. These capsules are made of animal-based gelatin, glycerin, water, and are caramel coated as a darkening agent to suppress the damaging effect of light.